Men vs women: Who has better customer service?

IT is not only in salons that clients love to be served by men. Michael Kanaabi explores the reasons for this preference

AT THE GYM
Jennifer Nandago, the front office manager at Garden city Fitness Centre, says female masseuses prefer male clients because they are not picky or irritable. “They also tip handsomely, creating a cordial relationship and in turn, the masseuse gives them the best service.”

A number of women usually have issues with their bodies, especially those who have been forced to go to the gym because of constant comments about their size.

Dustan Semwogerere, the gym instructor at Garden City Fitness Centre, says: “These women usually require a patient and good instructor who is willing to listen to their concerns and convince them the work out will help them get better.

Over time, the women begin to like and appreciate you, and bring their girlfriends to the gym as well.” He adds that female instructors are not patient with women.

While men are free and willing to be massaged by any woman, it is different for women. “Women tend to get uncomfortable exposing their bodies to a man they don’t know,” says Mark Lubega, a masseur and beautician at Beauty Spa at Metropole Hotel.

“For women to give you their trust, they want to know your experience and rely on recommendations from their friends. They become your friends; trust you and some suggest that you take your relationship beyond the service.

“They invite you to their homes for tea and ask you out for coffee.”
One wonders whether it is the skill in the masseuse hands or the clients’ imaginations that make the massage work.

The bar
Brenda Aisu, the marketing manager of Casablanca, one of Kampala’s fast growing bars, says men prefer to be served by waitresses because they give them extra care. They find it easy to chat up and flirt with women.

Phillip, a resident of Ntinda, says there is a barmaid who has become his friend. “We talk about our personal lives, leaving many patrons and friends in the bar suspicious.”

Shops and markets
“In shops, women seem to underlook me. Sometimes they ignore me, so I prefer men,” says Nandago. “Sometimes I end up buying more than I planned to because of the way they treated me.”

Styling and beauty
Florence Onada, a beautician and stylist with the Beauty Spa at Metropole Hotel, Kololo, says she finds men better at hairstyling especially when under pressure or for occasions like weddings.

When it comes to waxing, Lubega says he has heard complaints from women that fellow women look at them in disgust, and end up hurting them. “Women opt for men since they do it with a lot more care and empathy,” he says.

Psychologist’s point of view
Dr. Moses Muntu, a behavioral psychologist, says one of the biggest reasons for people preferring service from the opposite sex is the natural and instinctive affection usually offered by the opposite sex when delivering a service.

Cultural influence and home nurtured traditions are also another reason. “In our cultures, the women are taught to serve men and respect them. Men are taught to care for, provide and protect the women in their lives. Although in some cases, it is sheer lust.”

“I have counselled people who confessed to lusting after the people who offer them various services.”